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27
Aug
Meet HG33 – the Burton Leonard band using their musical talents for a good cause
Local band HG33 take their name from the Burton Leonard 'HG3 3' postcode shared by its members.
The group was set up after band members Claire Banks and Arni Clark met performing with the Burton Leonard Drama Group.
Practising GP Claire had a passion for music and a talent for singing, while bassist Arni was already working with a guitarist, and looking to find others to join him and start gigging in the local area.
Next to join the band was fellow Burton Leonard resident Mike Wray, a multi-talented pianist and guitarist.
After a brief hiatus, and the departure of the drummer, things kicked off again with the addition of Arni's wife Karen Clark, a former music teacher and keyboardist and clarinet player, who joined alongside Mike's wife Autumn Wray, who brought her choral vocal skills.
Helen Crompton, who knew Claire from their time together spent training to become GPs, joined as a third voice in 2024, followed by David Hayward, who filled the vacant drummer position.
Bassist Arni praised the group dynamic, saying:
Having played in several bands previously, I find it both a privilege and real pleasure to work with such a talented, professional group of people who understand what it takes to push things forward.
Whilst I know that most bands or groups usually centre around a leader who takes control of the musical direction and content, I think what makes HG33 different is that all members have equal input towards decisions about material and direction. That really seems to work well for us!
After time spent rehearsing and improving together as a group, they began performing, but on one unique condition. The band collectively decided to operate on a non-profit basis, with all the proceeds of ticket sales going towards local charity Dementia Forward.
They simply play out of a collective love for music, and out of a desire to "give something back to the community through entertainment".
The band have had a busy summer. After performing on home turf in Burton Leonard in May, they were invited to play on Kirkgate as part of Ripon Theatre Festival in July.
They followed that up by providing the entertainment at North Stainley's Supper Club earlier this month.
The band have thanked the village of Burton Leonard for getting behind them, and for their generous support of Dementia Forward, which has allowed the band to use their musical talents for a good cause.
Their next performance will be in Markington on Friday, September 11 at 7pm. Tickets are available here for £10 each.
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